Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionChinese-backed EV and mobility firm ROX has delivered its first batch of 100 luxury SUVs assembled at its manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi. The vehicles carry the official 'Made in the Emirates' mark and were produced at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD).
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and the Democratic Republic of the Congo officially took effect on October 30. The agreement eliminates tariffs on most product lines and streamlines customs procedures following bilateral non-oil trade reaching $3.5 billion in 2025. It marks the UAE's 20th CEPA to enter into force under its trade expansion program.
Omani authorities and Chinese delegates met on October 31 to explore expanding bilateral trade and industrial investments in Gulf economic and free zones. Discussions emphasized regulatory incentives, port logistics, and links between Gulf businesses and China's Hainan Province. Both delegations also confirmed intentions to develop coordinated frameworks for foreign direct investment.
Automotive delegations from Gulf markets, including the UAE and Kuwait, visited the LUXEED Super Factory during the 2026 Chery International User Summit in Wuhu, China. The visit focused on intelligent manufacturing and engineering adaptations designed for extreme heat and desert dust. The plant deploys over 2,000 automated devices and produces one vehicle per minute.
The Central Bank of the UAE has imposed a Dh200 million fine on an authorized foreign bank branch over recurring anti-money laundering violations. Individual fines of Dh500,000 and Dh300,000 were also issued against the bank's CEO and compliance head, respectively. Regulators mandated independent remediation and a Fit and Proper reassessment of branch leadership.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
The Dubai Civil Court has ordered a client to pay AED 13.74 million in outstanding contractual legal fees to a law firm. The ruling established that the client's courtroom admission of non-payment constituted a binding judicial acknowledgement that cannot be retracted.
Article 28 of the UAE Labour Law guarantees all workers paid leave on official public holidays designated by Cabinet resolution. Employers that require staff to work during a public holiday must either grant a full replacement rest day or pay standard daily wages plus at least 50% of the basic wage. The choice between compensation options rests with the employer and cannot be reduced by agreement.
UAE employees working standard Monday-to-Friday schedules can secure nine consecutive days off around the upcoming National Day by using three annual leave days, Arabian Business reported. The official public holidays for Eid Al Etihad are scheduled for Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 3, 2026. Taking leave on November 30, December 1, and December 4 bridges the holidays across two weekends, subject to employer approval and operational coverage.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
A Reuters investigation reported by Yemen Monitor reveals Iran created a covert network of over 5,000 front entities to procure at least $2 billion in military goods since January 2025. The investigation identified shipments originating from China, Russia, and Germany, alongside $27 million in maritime imports from the UAE. Around 97% of transactions avoided cross-border banking transfers through the use of overseas intermediaries and offshore accounts.
US Democrats are threatening congressional investigations into agreements granting Gulf entities license-free access to advanced artificial intelligence semiconductors. The scrutiny is driven by concerns over technology transfer to China and alleged conflicts of interest. However, extensive cross-border investments between Gulf sovereign funds and US AI leaders complicate potential rollbacks.
The China Cultural Center in the UAE and Al Rais Travel Group held the 'Nihao! China' promotional event in Dubai to showcase Chinese travel itineraries. The organizer reported that leisure travelers account for over 80 percent of the surge in UAE visitors to China.
Asian energy corporations and government delegations have gathered in Abu Dhabi for ADIPEC 2026, marking a record presence. Organizers confirmed 353 Asian companies and six national pavilions, with Chinese participants focusing on long-term energy supplies and industrial partnerships.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Finance & Investment
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that UAE fintech platform Ziina has won the Dubai-it Award for Companies in the Field of Business. The platform has processed over $1.5 billion in transactions and currently serves 500,000 users and 290,000 business owners. The award recognises Ziina's evolution from a peer-to-peer transfer app into an integrated financial platform facilitating mobile payments.
Logistics & Trade
AerCap has signed lease agreements with Turkish Airlines for two Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighters scheduled for delivery between March and September 2027. The passenger-to-freighter conversions will be executed at Etihad Engineering's MRO facility in Abu Dhabi. Financial terms and lease durations were not disclosed.
Finance & Investment
Chinese securities brokerages have injected over CNY 50 billion abroad in 2026, highlighted by China Securities' partnership with the UAE Ministry of Investment. Meanwhile, CITIC Securities International obtained licensing in the Dubai International Financial Centre and underwrote a landmark dim sum bond for Mashreq Bank.
Energy & Sustainability
Bilateral trade between Oman and China reached RO 9.6 billion in 2025, maintaining China as Oman's top trading partner. Omani officials are targeting Chinese capital in manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, while backing China-GCC free trade negotiations.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
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Oman and wider Middle East transit routes
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Qatar
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North Sinai, Egypt-Libya border, South Sinai, Rafah crossing, Taba crossing
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Kuwait International Airport, Kuwait
Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
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Connect with businesses across China and the UAE. Exchange knowledge, explore opportunities and contribute to a community that values cooperation, mutual understanding and peace.
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